Fox(US:FOX)2025-12-08 16:32Summary of Conference Call Notes Company and Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the performance and strategic outlook of a media company, particularly focusing on its broadcasting and digital segments, including news and sports verticals [1][2][3] Key Financial Performance - The company reported record financial results for fiscal year 25, including record revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow, establishing a strong foundation for future growth [1] - Engagement metrics are improving, contrasting with peers in the cable and broadcast sectors, which are experiencing declining engagement [1] Strategic Focus Areas - The company plans to continue investing in core verticals, specifically news and sports, for fiscal year 26 [2] - Significant events such as the FIFA World Cup and midterm elections are expected to drive engagement and advertising revenue [2] Advertising Market Dynamics - There is a notable shift in advertising dollars from linear cable to broadcast, particularly in sports and news, with the company experiencing robust growth in these areas [3][4] - The company added approximately 350 advertisers to its Fox News roster in fiscal 25, indicating strong demand for its advertising space [4] Sports Broadcasting Insights - The company reported record advertising revenue for major sports events, including the Big Ten Championship game, with a significant increase in the number of advertisers [3] - The demand for sports advertising is expected to remain strong, driven by high engagement levels [5][6] Digital Business Growth - Tubi, the company's digital platform, has shown strong performance with an 18% increase in engagement and a 27% increase in ad revenue in Q1 [12] - The company aims to enhance Tubi's monetization through improved fill rates and engagement, with a goal of achieving 20-25% EBITDA margins in the future [15] Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns - The company announced a $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program, contributing to a total of over $10 billion returned to shareholders since its inception [18][19] - The management believes the stock is undervalued and plans to continue share buybacks while remaining open to inorganic growth opportunities [19][20] Sports Betting Strategy - The company holds a significant investment in Flutter, with a potential value of $3.4 billion in sports betting assets [16][17] - The licensing process for sports betting is ongoing, with expectations to fully capitalize on this market in the coming years [17] Conclusion - The company is well-positioned with a strong portfolio of assets, robust free cash flow, and a clear strategy focused on growth in news, sports, and digital segments [20]